Biometric Information

Notification of Intention to Process Student’s Biometric Information

The school wishes to use information about your child as part of an automated (i.e. electronically-operated) recognition system. This is for the purposes of cashless catering. The information from your child that we wish to use is referred to as ‘biometric information’ (see next paragraph). Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (sections 26 to 28), we are required to notify each parent of a child and obtain the written consent of at least one parent before being able to use a child’s biometric information for an automated system.

Biometric information and how it will be used

Biometric information is information about a person’s physical or behavioural characteristics that can be used to identify them, for example, information from their finger images. The school would like to take and use information from your child’s finger image and use this information for the purpose of providing your child with access to our cashless catering system.

The information will be used as parent of an automated biometric recognition system. The system takes measurements of your child’s finger image and converts these measurements into a template to be stored on the system. An image of your child finger is not stored. The template (i.e. measurements taken from your child’s finger image) is what is used to permit your child to access the cashless catering system.

You should note that the law places specific requirements on schools when using personal information, such as biometric information, about students for the purposes of an automated biometric recognition system.

For example;

The school CANNOT use the information for any purpose other than those for which it was originally obtained and made known to the parent(s)

The school must ensure that the information is stored securely

The school must tell you what it intends to do with the information

Unless the law allows it, the school cannot disclose personal information to another person/body

Providing your consent/objecting

As stated above, in order to be able to use your child’s biometric information, the written consent of at least one parent is required. However, consent given by one parent will be overridden if the other parent objects in writing to the use of their child’s biometric information. Similarly, if your child objects to this, the school cannot collect or use his/her biometric information for inclusion on the automated recognition system.

You can also object to the processing of your child’s biometric information at a later stage or withdraw consent you have previously given. This means that, if you give consent but later change your mind, you can withdraw this consent. Please note that any consent, withdrawal of consent or objection from a parent must be in writing.

Even if you have consented, your child can object or refuse at any time to their biometric information being taken/used. His/Her objection does not need to be in writing. We would appreciate it if you could discuss this with your child and explain to them that they can object to this if they wish.

The school is also happy to answer any questions you or your child may have. Please contact Mrs J Eppleston via the school email address or main school telephone number.

If you do not wish your child’s biometric information to be processed by the school, or your child objects to such processing, the law says that we must provide reasonable alternative arrangements for children who are not going to use the automated cashless catering system.

If you give consent to the processing of your child’s biometric information please sign, date and return the consent form to the school.